Description
Book SynopsisFor more than 45 years, Steve Millard has struggled with bi-polar disorder. At his lowest, he was on the absolute brink of suicide, looking down into the abyss. Through his own methods of dealing with this disease, arrived at by trial and error, and the generous help of friends, and the teachings of a wonderful support group called Recovery Inc., he not only survived, he prospered, founding one of the most successful and profitable businesses in the direct marketing industry. "A Bipolar Life" is the story of his struggle.
Trade Review"Steve Millard worked for me at the time of his break from reality. It was a tragic time for him, for me, and for all the people who worked with him at the Reader’s Digest. Steve’s later recovery and success have made him my all-time poster boy."
-Frank Ronnenberg, Former V-P, Reader’s Digest
"I have known Steve Millard for over 30 years as a friend and a business associate. He is one of those individuals that only along once in ones lifetime. He is unique, with a larger than life personality.
I have witnessed many of his struggles with bipolar disorder and can only imagine how difficult they are for him. I have also witnessed his high, his incredible zest for life and the ability to live life to its fullest.
But equally important, I have witnessed his marketing skills and how he helped pioneer the catalog and direct marketing industry. Those skills were a major part of the dynamic growth of the Brookstone Company."
-Doug Anderson, former President, Bookstone
"Steve Millard was a good friend of L.L. Bean and a catalog marketing consultant instrumental to our success. He was upbeat and outgoing in his public life but quietly and courageously dealt with his emotional illness."
-Leon Gorman, CEO L.L. Bean
"During the many years of my personal and professional relationship with Steve Millard, I have never been witness to any indication of his personal struggles with bipolar disorder. Obviously, his life-long determination to confront the obstacles and challenges this has presented is commendable. His professional success, his contribution to his industry and his community is proof of the fact that even in the face of this illness, a person can lead a rewarding and fulfilling life. His willingness to share his story with others earns him my complete admiration."
-Howard Lester, Chairman and CEO, Williams-Sonoma
Table of ContentsChapter 1 - In the Beginning
Chapter 2- Looking for Answers
Chapter 3 - After the First Episode
Chapter 4 - Don't Look Back
Chapter 5 - My Next Move
Chapter 6 - Hired by Reader's Digest
Chapter 7 - Dealing With My Illness
Chapter 8 - Had Enough
Chapter 9 - A Good Move
Chapter 10 - Arriving in Pleasantville
Chapter 11 - Life Was Going Well
Chapter 12 - Hopeless, Helpless and Worthless
Chapter 13 - Fighting the Disease
Chapter 14 - Simply Doing Something
Chapter 15 - Trip Back to Ross Pond
Chapter 16 - Not My Last Job
Chapter 17 - Things Are Moving Fast
Chapter 18 - I Had Come Back
Chapter 19 - Going Out On My Own
Chapter 20 - Starting My Own Business
Chapter 21 - Succeeding as an Entrepreneur
Chapter 22 - Making the Business Grow
Chapter 23 - Was it all worth it?
Chapter 24 - Business is Succeeding
Chapter 25 - Cognitive Therapy
Chapter 26 - Diagnosed My Condition
